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VIOLA RILEY BERRY 



THE ALAMO 

AND OTHER POEMS 



Viola Riley Berry 



N2WS PUBLISHING COMPANY 

PRINTERS 

DENTON, TEXAS 



Two Cooles Receded 
JUK 30 1906 

• ■ ^ Entry 

INDEX 

Page 

The Alamo ; 

Little Paul ; 1 

The Volunteers B8 

Vindication 91 

Young- America 93 

A Plea for Davis 94 

Manilla 102 

Our War With Spain 105 

The Ideal 115 

At Eventide 117 

Two Loves 120 

If I Were Dead 127 

The First Christmas Morning 129 

The Legend of Santa Clans 130 

Her Eival 134 

A Fragment 137 

Papa's "Tady" 138 

Our Boys 140 

To One in Heaven 145 

A Love Song II '- 1 

To Annie ' -\\ 153 

Farewell 1 5*3 

John Sleychk Riley 158 

Martha Calcote Riley 159 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Page 

The Author Frontispiece 

Austin at the Eiver Grande 14 

Austin Overlooking Mexico 18 

Finding the Lifeless Mother 34 

The Alamo 64 

Crowning the Heroes 67 

Little Paul Takes the Message 80 

The Victory 86 

The Surrender 98 

The Daughters in Camp 106 

Battle of El Caney 110 

The Meeting 124 

The First Christmas 128 

I Sit and Hold Thy Child 144 

Down the Grassy Lane 148 

Farewell 156 



MY HTJS 
SE KINDNESS AND ASSISTANCE HAVE MADE IT 
PBODUCTION POSSIBLE, 
THIS VOLUME - Y DEDICATED. 



Copyright Applied For 

May. 1906 

Viola Riley Berry 




CHAPTER I. 



Within the ancient domains of Old Mexico, 

The realm of Montezuma, sweet with flowers, 

And rich with dazzling gold, the stately Alamo 

Lifts her grim walls and towers, 

A mission house, secure and plain. 

Built by the warrior priests of Spain, 

When to the sword they lent their arts. 

And with religion won the hearts 

Of Anahuac's* squaws and braves, 

Then took their homes and made them slaves ; 

Ir Jesus' name they wrought their purpose fell, 

And preached of heaven, while thus they aided hell. 



r 01d Indian name for Mexico. 



8 TH A' A L A M 

But in a land where Freedom set her seal. 

And where her spirit breathes in every leaf and flower 

What soul so base can tread her vales, nor feel 

The elevating influence of her power? 

For noble thoughts give birth to noble deeds, 

As flowers spring from flowers, weeds from weeds; 

And in a land where AContezuma died. 

And with his latest breath his conquerors" defied, 

Even his foes must deem him good and great, 

And first admire, then strive to imitate. 



And here, where conquering and imperious Spain 

Had thought to found new empires for her crown ; 

Where, for two hundred years, her tyrannical reign 

And cruel laws had borne the Aztecs down 

With chains which they were powerless to break, 

(For when men kneel to strangers and forsake 

The shrines and altars where their fathers bled, 

Their gods forsake them, and their cause is dead), 

Her sons rebel, the Spanish rule revoke. 

In Freedom's name throw off the foreign yoke. 

In this fair land that once was Freedom's own, 

They breathe her air, and they at length have grown 

Too great for bondage, but not geal enough to give 

The precious boon to others which they themselves receive 



THE ALA M 

Years yet must come and centuries pass away 

Before the dawning of that perfect day 

When the descendants of false and treacherous Spain 

Can rise above their source, and wash away the stain 

Of hate and greed and rapine which their sires 

Passed on to them, together with the fires 

Of hate and malice, so they should be rated from. 

Xot what they are, but what they've overcome. 

! glorious land, where every zone and clime 

Has given of her store the fairest and the best. 

Where dewy vale and mountain height sublime 

In graceful and harmonious union rest, 

In thee each exiled wanderer may find 

The land he loved, the home he left behind. 

The Eussian serf may find his groves of pine, 

While overhead the snows of winter shine: 

The warlike Greek, who flies from home and chains, 

May find again, in thee, his mountains and his plains, 

May look above thy hills and see Hellenic coloring there. 

While he in Freedom breathes again his own pellucid air; 

The proud and gallant Pole, true to the past, and brave, 

May find again, in thee, the land he could not save — 

Thy bordering hills, thy wide expanse of plain, 

Give back the home for which he fought in vain. 



id T // /•; A LAM <) 



When to this land the changeful years shall bring 
The spirit heirs of its great martyr king; 

When its rieli dales and plains once more are rife 

With useful industries and friendly strife: 

When men already true and great shall come 

And make this land their country and their home; 

When neath these lucid, azure skies 

Their children play, and all the tender ties 

Of love and home together weave their spell. 

While 'round them crumbling walls and ruin- tel 

Of days gone by, of glory past, 

Of men who fought and gave their last 

Warm heart's blood for their cherished land, 

And Inspiration with her wand 

Of Memory writes upon each heart 

The lessons of that noble past. 

In thoughts indelible and vast — 

Then shall this realm once more attain 

Its pristine glory, and the staiu 

Of slavery for aye depart, 

Cleansed by the blood of heroes brave. 

Who dare the battle's strife and pains, 

Who deem more blest the bloodiest grave 

Than the most peaceful life in chains. 



THE ALAMO 



CHAPTER II. 



Scarce had the throes of revolution ceased 

And peace once more her fair dominion claimed, 

Scarce were the ranks of war and strife released, 

And Mexico a sovereign nation named, 

Than to that realm that northward lies 

From the blue waters of the Mexican sea, 

Where valleys smile and verdant mountains rise 

And antelopes still roam, untamed and free, 

There came a band of hardy pioneers, 

Lured by the pledge of Mexico so fair, 

Of land and liberty to all who settled there. 



In spite of Indian tomahawks and spears, 
Columbia's sons, with eager hearts and hands, 



12 T 11 A" A L A M < 

Come thronging to this new Eutopia, 

And settle first upon the fertile lands 

That nestle "round the forts of San Antonio ; 

Then, spread outward from this central place. 

The settlements move, and soon fair cities grace 

The dales and plains of Texas. The hum 

Of industry on every side is heard ; 

The population swells, the time has come 

For Mexico to keep her plighted word 

And grant home rule to the brave men who toil 

To make their province glorious and bright : 

Who struggle with the Indians, till the soil. 

While watching ever for the dawning light 

Of that glad day when they shall see 

Their province sovereign and free, 

One of a union of independent states. 

This is the hope that moves and animates 

The patriot band upon the wilderness 

To bear their hardships, dangers and distress. 

Gladly they toil while Hope's inspiring sun 
Paints bows of promise on each cloud that rolls 
Across the landscape of their freeborn souls, 
Until, at last, their noble task is done, 
And their part of the contract carried through. 



THE ALAMO 13 

And now they wait in patience and relief, 
When messengers arrive from Mexico 
To take the rule from their great chief, 
Austin, their noble emprisario, 
And join to Coahuila their young state. 

Now from her sons, by wrongs made desperate, 
Is heard the cry of wrath and discontent, 
Like the hoarse mutterings of internal fires 
Ere the volcano is with eruptions rent, 
And, yielding to his colonists' desires, 
Their chieftain goes to Mexico once more 
To plead their cause, if possible to restore 
Their chartered rights. 

As he proceeds, 
His heart with hope and courage high, 
Proudly he gazes where fair nature spreads 
Her glowing charms before the enraptured eye. 
The waving grass and radiant beds 
Of blooming flowers in sweet ranks 
Upon the meads and river banks, 
Mingle their perfumes on the air 
As if the Deitv were there. 




Austin at the River Grande 



THE ALA II Id 

That Aztecs worshiped in the breath 
Of fruits and flowers, and the wreath 
That pious fingers then did twine 
And lay upon his sacred shrine, 
Still blooms in beauty, fair and sweet, 
And forms a carpet for his feet. 

! such a land and such a clime 

Would wake fond hopes and dreams sublime, 

In every breast not wholly lost. 

! how felt Austin as he crossed 

The borders of that wondrous land 

And loitered at the river Grande 

To take a lingering farewell look 

At grassy plain and babbling brook, 

Of his own country, whose expanse 

Would be a rich inheritance, 

The birthright of his posterity, 

And his brave comrades' with whose aid 

A glorious province he had made 

And rescued from obscurity. 

As he loiters in the shade 

By tropic vines and palm trees made, 



16 THE ALAMO 

His heart is filled with visions bright 
Of his dear land when peace and right 
Should over all that realm prevail, 
And planning for his country's weal 
He plunges in the river wide, 
And soon has reached the other side. 



Now through splendid solitudes 
Of fragrant flowers and lofty woods, 
His pathway lies where, shining yet, 
Is Freedom's eternal coronet, 
Which, when all other lights are gone, 
Will high above the mouldering fires 
Of crumbling empires still shine on, 
To wake glad hopes and grand desires, 
In every heart whom adverse fate 
Has rendered dark and desolate. 



But on this land has fallen a blight, 
That darkens all her beaming light, 
For men who late in Fredom's cause 
Had faced the foe and broken his power, 
Are victims now of unjust laws, 
And in vile servitude must cower. 



THE ALAMO 11 

While pity fills his generous breast 

For these poor peons* thus oppressed, 

He hopes that when his state shall send 

Her statesmen there, they will amend 

The laws and then this land shall be 

Once more the shrine of Liberty, 

And strife from these domains depart. 

Tor, while round his patriotic heart 

Sweet Charity her mantle flings, 

He hopes that this injustice springs 

More from ignorance than from greed, 

That all the ruling classes need 

Is for some patriot to show 

How justice to both high and low 

Will most advance their country's good, 

And make her sons one brotherhood; 

Who then in hope may toil or fight 

For happy homes and hearthstones bright. 

Then shall their discontentment cease 

And this glad land be known afar 

As just and glorious in peace, 

But still invincible in war. 



*A person made a slave for debt in Mexico. 




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THE ALAMO 19 



While dreaming of a future bright 

For his dear land, the days and nights 

Of his long journey soon are past, 

And he has reached his goal at last. 

He enters a deep vale of flowers, 

And Mexico's bright domes and towers 

Stand out in picturesque relief 

Against high mounts whose heads of snow 

Are mirrored in the lakes below, 

Where the cheriostemon* lifts in grief 

The image of that gory hand, 

That stained with blood the peaceful land 

Of Azteca. The ambrozial breeze, 

Odorous with blooming locust trees 

And orange groves, magnolias white 

And tulips with their blossoms bright 

Is wafting to his raptured ear 

The evening vespers sweet and clear 

As meath the evening's gathering shades, 

The last bright beam of daylight fades. 



*A plant of Mexico whose flower is a perfect imitation of a blood-red 
hand. 



THE ALAMO 



CHAPTEK III. 



Bright breaks the dawn, from sheltering trees 

The mock-bird pipes its matin song. 

Upon the fragrant, languid breeze 

Its notes are swelling glad and strong, 

And now like tints of brilliant shells 

The misty clouds are turning; 

And soon above the eastern hills 

The orb of day is burning, 

Transforming with its golden glow 

The fortress walls and city spires, 

Kindling the dewy leaves below. 

And mountain tops with crystal fires. 



THE ALAMO 21 

Soon the streets are crowded with the throng 

Of busy people hurrying along, 

And Austin hastens to the council halls, 

To lay before its members the details 

Of his state's grievances, to claim redress 

For wrongs, but owing to the press 

Of weightier business, so the Mexicans claim, 

His cause must rest, and Texas bide her time. 

He waits within the chamber to hear the pressing theme, 
Sees Patriotism stiffled, and oppression reign supreme. 
Then Austin leaves the chamber with sad and thoughtful 

brow; 
No hope of justice for his land lives in his bosom now, 
But he resolves to labor in her cause and persevere, 
To contend for freemen's rights boldly without fear, 
To do his duty bravely nor heed the tyrants, 
And leave the issue of his work to the justice of his God. 



After long months of waiting. 
Austin gains the council floor, 
And asks the government to keep 
Its pledges made of yore. 
In vain he urges justice: 



THE ALAMO 

Santa Anna's wily art 

Has conquered the assembly, 

And right and peace depart. 

Then in the tyrant's, stronghold 
Austin rises in his place, 
With flashing eyes and ringing voice. 
Defies him to his face. 



"Fellow citizens of Mexico : 

With 
The argument of might 
You have overturned the government. 
And nullified the right. 
You have violated our charter, 
And broken your pledged word ; 
You have desolated our fair land 
With the violence of the sword. 
But we, who grew in Freedom's soil 
And breathed her inspiring air, 
Will fight in Liberty's dear name 
Through sorrow or despair; 
Will give our lives a sacrifice 
Upon her altar bright. 



THE ALAMO 

Ere we will bear injustice, 
Or own the tyrant's might. 

"So bring your blood-hounds to your aid, 

And sound your bugle shrill, 

Calling your minions from the glade, 

The mine, the field, the hill. 

To forge the fetters for our land, 

Or steep our plains in gore 

And you will find, though small our band, 

God arms us with his power. 

For He who rules the universe 

Knows that our cause is just; 

Knows that the present turmoil is 

The offspring of your lust, 

And .He who gave the Israelites 

A David in their need, 

Has still the power to rescue 

Our country from your greed." 



When generals lead their armies out 
To fight their country's foe, 
Their country's flag, their comrades shout 
Their common weal or woe; 



U TH E A LA M 

Inflame them to the fierce attack 

And norve tbem in the fisrht. 

And cheer them when the volleys black, 

Of smoke obscure their sight 

And when they fall as victims brave, 

Defending flag and home, 

Honor will seek their gory grave, 

And mark it for her own. 

Brit when a patriot dares to stand 

Amidst his foes alone. 

And valiantly defend his land 

'Gainst a usurper's throne, 

For him though chains may bind him fast 

And ignominy dark, 

Upon his reputation cast 

Her foul, polluting mark. 

For him his country's love and fame, 

Reserve the brightest bays 

To wreathe around his noble name, 

And crown him with their praise. 



TEE ALAMO 25 



And he who stood in honor bright 
Amid that Mexican throng, 
Contending for his country's rights, 
While facing fraud and wrong, 
Will live in Texan hearts for aye 
Enshrined among the brave 
Who fought on Freedom's natal day. 
And filled a soldier's grave. 



THE ALAMO 



CHAPTER IV. 



'Twas noon when, from the fragrant vale, 

Rode Austin, who, for two long years, 

Had languished in a Mexican jail; 

With other thoughts his bosom stirs 

Than those which filled his breast when first 

The city on his vision burst. 



Then every sound the zephyrs bore 
To his glad ear some promise wore; 
Some prophecy of future good, 
When Mexico in her pride should be 
As far above the raging flood 



THE ALA J[ 21 



Of vice and wrong and tyranny, 
As her magnificent plaza stands 
'Bove pestilential valley lands. 



But now, with disillusioned eyes, 

He views the glowing earth and skies, 

And there, amidst her domes and towers, 

Her lucious fruits and langrous flowers, 

Her churches and her altars fair, 

Where black-robed sisters kneel in prayer, 

And chant their vespers, there, e'en there, 

He sees the serpent's trail: each bloom 

Now whispers of the peons' doom, 

Whose unrequited labor made 

Those avenues of bloom and shade. 



Now as his vision chanced to range 
To crumbling ruins near the road, 
He sighed to mark the woeful change 
That Cortez wrought. Amidst the load 
Of bondage settling o'er the land, 
And its attendant grief and pain, 
These monuments of ancient worth, 
In ruin still august and grand, 



THE ALAMO 

Bear Testimony of the truth 

Of Montezuma's glorious reign. 

And Austin felt that bond sublime. 

That links the soul of noble men 

In every age and every clime. 

As men of ancient pedigree 

Eevere the heroes of their line. 

So looked he back in sympathy 

To him who died without a sign. 

Upon a bed ot burning coals.* 

A victim of Spain's cruelty. 

While Time's ceaseless cycle rolls, 

The memory of this deed shall be 

A drawn sword o'er that nation's head. 

Where e'er her treacherous armies tread, 

And she shall victory know no m 

Upon the ocean or the shore. 

Ah. Montezuma ! once thy land 

Was glorious and free. 

From mountain gorge to ocean strand. 

The shrine of Liberty. 

v subjects seeing in thy face 
The majesty of kingly grace. 

When Montezuma was being tortured on a bed of live coals in order to 
force him to disclose the locality of his mines, he spoke only once. When 
his secretary, who shared the same fate, showed signs of weakening. Monte- 
zuma smiled and said, ''I am resting on a bed of ro^es." Both died 
without revealing the secret. 



TEE ALAMO 

Tried thy pure life to imitate, 
And serving thee, they too were great, 
Learned vice and cruelty to abhor, 
And e'en forgot the art of war. 

Bnt thou hadst reached the highest plane 
That human excellence can know, 
Better to die without a stain, 
Unyielding to a treacherous foe, 
Than live thy term out, to its close, 
The servant of thy country's foes. 

When Pallas, with impartial pen, 
Makes record of thy times and men, 
Then shall thy glorious fame amass 
New luster as the years shall pass. 

While the judge, relentless Time, 
Brings retribution for all crime, 
While Cortez, neath his sovereign's blame, 
Sinks down in poverty and shame. 
And the dynasty which thus requites 
Its subjects who have served it best, 
Stabs partiotism in the breasts 



THE ALAMO 

Of all its subjects, and ignites 

The fires of treachery and fa 

Columbia, pointing to thy : 

Will teach her sons to emulate 

Thy noble courage and the love 

Of home and country that shall move 

Their freeborn souls, will speed the dart 

Of vengeance through the oppressors heart. 



THE ALAMO 



CHAPTER V. 



'Tis midnight, calm and still, and over all 

The gracious blessings of restful slumber fall. 

The tiny babe clasped to its mother's breast, 

The father near, who guards and shares their rest, 

The happy maid, thrilled by her sweetheart's kiss, 

The stalwart lover, still dreaming of the bliss, 

The young and old alike lie undisturbed, the zephyrs woo 

To deeper sleep, when suddenly a long and loud "hallow!" 

Of vengeful triumph from a thousand savage lungs 

Wakes every settler, a thousand glaring tongues 

Of lurid flame leap madly in the air, 

Fed by the settlers' homes. The scene, erstwhile so fair, 

Is changed to one of carnage. When men, as yet 



THE ALAMO 

Unarmed, rush from their burning thresholds, they are met 

By arrows sped from unseen hands. Their cry 

Is vain to warn their loved ones. Thus they die 

Victims of the treacherous red man's hate, 

And wives and children share their bloody fate. 

One fair young wife, alone, whose beauty caught 
The brutal fancy of their chief, was brought 
Unto his wigwam with her child clasped to her heart, 
As though in life no force the twain could part. 

On deeds like these dire Vengeance follows fast, 
And neighboring settlements are roused at last, 
Who, fired to madness by the sight of women slam, 
Now chase the howling demons in fury o'er the plain. 

Fast fly the Indians, but faster still their foe, 
And with unerring aim, they slay them as they go. 
While they hurry onward the infant's plaintive cry 
Annoys the cruel chieftain, and he swears the child shall die. 



TEE ALAMO 33 



He tore the child with savage glee 
From the trembling mother's breast. 
Where she had vainly tried to soothe 
Its frightened sobs to rest. 
Oh ! there was no darker deed 
In that foul night of strife; 
He threw it screaming in the air 
And caught it on his knife. 
The mother, mad with horror, 
With a cry of anguish wild, 
Tore loose the bonds that bound her 
And died beside her child. 

When the settlers were returning 

That eve at set of sun, 

The prairie strewn with Indians slain r 

Their work of vengeance done, 

They found beaneath a lone mesquite 

Upon the prairie wild, 

The lifeless mother, baptized with 

The life-blood of her child. 




They found beneath a lone mesquite 
The lifeless mother baptised with 
The life blood of her child. 



THE ALAMO 35 



The two were taken tenderly 
Across the prairie wide, 
And laid, in grief and sorrow, 
By the murdered husband's side. 

Beneath the ashes of that home 

Where their young lives were blest, 

In death's eternal union 

The three were laid to rest, 

While prayers and tears were given 

By rugged men and brave, 

Who vowed to guard with greater care 

Their loved from such a grave. 

They stood not still in sorrow, 

For the awful murders done 

In the future must be prevented, 

By the bayonet and the gun; 

So they built upon the Gaudalupe, 

In memory of these 

Who died beneath the tomahawk, 

The fortress, Gonzales. 



T HE AL A M 

And on this consecrated ground. 
Baptized with blood and fire, 
Their loved ones found a safe retreat 
From the red man's savage ire. 



Many a time the bugle's blast, 

In accents shrill and clear, 

Has warned the neighboring settlements 

That Indian foes were near. 



Then hastening from their scattered homes. 
When e'er they heard the call, 
They placed their loved ones safely 
Behind its sheltering walls 
Till they could drive the Indians back 
Across the rolling plain. 

Then with their loved ones would return to their own home* 
again. 



THE ALAMO 



CHAPTEE VI. 



When Austin first returned 
From Mexican prison walls, 
His people, his heart's children, 
To Gonzales he called. 
Like a father in their midst, 
Reverend and grave he stood, 
And told of Mexican treachery, 
And fraud and vile falsehood. 



F/en while they listened to this tale, 
With wrath and passions high, 
A band of armed soldiers 



88 T II K ALAMO 

From Mexico drew nigh. 

The captain rode up boldly. 

With leveled gun and sword. 

And shouted to the assembled citizens. 

"Disperse, ye rebel horde." 

Then Austin, like a patriot brave. 
Made answer just and true : 
"Our meeting is a lawful one. 
And will not disperse for you. 
But if you bring a message 
From Mexico today. 
With patience we will listen 
To what you wish to say. 



Then thus spake the captain. 
"His Majesty of Mexico,* 
Sends word to you. his subjects, 
If your fealty you would show. 
To send back by my soldiers 
Your guns and army stores, 
For he has heard it rumored 
That you've denied his power. 
But if you do his bidding 

"*About this time Santa Anna declared himself Emperor of Mexico. 



THE ALAMO 

He will know that you are true, 
And his gracious love and favor 
Will be granted then to you. 

These sturdy sons of Freedom 

Saw at once the hidden lie, 

They knew the message's meaning 

Was "war or slavery/' 

But they shrank not from war's dangers. 

rTor shunned its toils and pains, 

For the blood that flowed at Lexington 

Still ran within their veins. 

Such blood can never hesitate 

Xor shrink in dire alarms. 

Between a base surrender 

Or the using of its arms. 

So Austin, in his wisdom, 

Made answer once again : 

"Your ruler knows that we, who dwell 

Upon this hostile plain 

Would fall beneath the Indian's wrath 

Before tomorrow's sun 

If they should find us helpless 

Without a sword or gun. 



UO THE ALAMO 

So you may tell him this for us : 
'We have no wish for strife, 
But at his word we do not care 
To give up home or life, 
And this demand that he has made 
We promptly do decline; 
The boon of liberty God gave 
We never will resign.' '' 



Then, deigning not to make reply. 
The captain, with a frown. 
Shouted to his waiting soldiers, 
"Shoot every rebel down. 
Nor leave a man to tell the tale 
In this accursed town." 



Scarce had their rifles spoken 
Ere the Texans made reply. 
While the fire of patriotism beamed 
In every flashing eye, 
And gun and sword and cannon 
Flashed in the noonday sun, 
And soon they raised a joyous cry. 
"They run, the Mexicans run !" 



THE ALAMO 1,1 

But swift o'er valley, hill and plain 

They chased the flying foe 

Who paused not till they safety found 

Within the Alamo. 

Then to the garrison within 

They told a wondrous tale 

Of overwhelming numbers 

'Gainst which nothing could prevail, 

And quaking Fear with palsied hand 

Seized every coward heart, 

And all their boasted courage 

In a moment did depart. 

And messengers in haste were sent 

For aid to Mexico. 

To help to make them more secure 

Against so strong a foe. 

Early one morning when the night 

Still held her mantle o'er the slumbering town 

And glittering stars like heaven's eye of light 

Illumining the dark, were looking down 

In tranquil beauty; when the sun 

Had sent his first faint couriers to reveal 

His speedy coming; the patriots one by one 

Into the city silently did steal, 

Save one small band, who boldly to the right, 

Entered the citv as if to woo the fisrht. 



T 11 E .1 LA MO 

The picket guards, in haste their bugles blow; 
The half-waked soldiers swiftly fly to arms 
And train their guns upon the coming foe. 
But, hark to the west new and more dire alarms 
Await them. An old deserted mill 
Silent before, now speaks with tongue of flame 
And voice of thunder which with confusion fill 
The Mexican ranks, who scarcely know the name 
Of Freedom, who fight for greed of gold 
Or lust of power, or vile fear, 
Like beasts who dread the lash their masters hold 
To keep them in submission. When they hear 
The booming guns like a challenge from their fate. 
Trembling they turn while fear doth magnify 
The Texan army into a multitude so great 
That hastily they leave their guns to fly. 

A few bold officers their courage now retain 

And they with promises and threats and fixed bayonets 

The cowards check and drive them back again 

To their deserted guns. Now they set 



THE A L A M J, 3 

The bloody banner overhead winch meant 

"Death to the conquered/ 7 Thus with a counter-fear 

Their servile minions are to the battle sent 

Who now fight with the fury of despair 

And ape heroic deeds by terror driven. 

While for the creed of others they read their own 

"Xo quarter need be asked where none is given. 

Xor mercy looked for where none is shown. " 



A patriot band oppose their might. 
Strong in the power of God and right, 
Who fight for liberty and home. 
Their heritage of truth and faith. 
Who'd rather ever houseless roam 
Cheered on by Freedom's voice and breath, 
And then, when every hope was past. 
Die, true, beneath her flag at last. 
Than bow the head or bend the knee 
To Mexican fraud and tyranny 
Though honors high or treasures great 
Were sure such treachery to requite. 

Slowly the patriots with faces firmly set 

Toward the strong battlements of their desperate foe 



THE ALAMO 

Now sheltered by a wall, now in the open street, 
Fighting and struggling still yet ever onward go, 
Calm in the face of Death. Thrice hath the sun 
Eisen upon the conflict still he greets 
Each valiant Texan though the gun- 
Still belch their murderous fire and the streets 
Are red with gore and piled with Mexicans slain. 

But the brave Milam, as from house to house he gee- 

Careless of self beneath the leaden rain, 

Xow falls the first victim of the beleaguered foes. 

True to the last and with his last breath 

Shouted their watchword, "Libertv or death!" 



Did the brave Texans pause 
When died their leader brave? . 
Xay, nay. the glorious cause 
Still lived for which he gave 
His noble life. Their watchword now 
A message from his spirit bore 
And gave each loyal heart and brow 
A strength they never felt before. 



THE ALAMO J>5 

When darkness once again npon the conflict fell 

The little band crept through the shadows dim 

And seized the house where the Mexican priests did dwell, 

When morning came their guns and cannon grim 

Were trained upon the Alamo. One volley now 

Drives every Mexican back. The bloody flag is gone, 

And in its stead o'er the mission's silent brow 

A snowy banner greets the rising sun. 

Sueing for peace from those whom late 

The bigot Mexicans swore 

To conquer and annihilate. 

The struggle now is o'er; 

The cries of victory that arise 

From the Texan ranks proclaim 

That victory still with Freedom lies. 

They conquered in her name, 

But to their humbled foe they gave 

The forfeited mercy of the brave. 

On parole they let the Mexicans go 

Back to their homes in Mexico. 

Then with glad hearts and joyous faces 

Marched in and took the vacant places. 

! never had these grim old walls 

Received so brave a crew 

As this which claims their shelter now, 



T If E ALA M 

With courage, firm and true. 

And Nature smiles her proudest smile 

To greet her welcome guests 

Who shim no toil nor danger 

In Freedom's glorious quest. 

Tonight the sun with lingering glow- 
Looks last upon the Alamo 
As if. in all that country round. 
Where zephyrs from the Mexican s 
Thrill the rapt ear with melody. 
Xo spot so pleasing he had found. 
Then pauses her dear towers to bless 
And leave a lover's sweet caress. 
Xow. as if they feel the bliss 
And benediction of bis kiss . 
The soldiers sink to their repose 
While twilight lingers in the « - 
And pickets guard their quiet rest 
And listen for their f 5. 



THE ALAMO 



CHAPTEE VII. 



Through chilly eves and frosty morning hours 
These ancient walls echoed our soldiers tread. 
While golden leaf and gorgeous autumn flowers 
Glowed brighter, far, than Summer's radiant bed 
Cheering their exile while they dream of friends and home 
And see that home made fair by Freedom's light 
Where strife and tyranny may never come 
But peace and hope dwell 'neath the rule of right. 

E'en while these visions cheered our soldiers still 
And mirage-like glowed bright before their eyes, 
Stern Santa Anna with his despotic will 
Boused all his legions with promises and lies. 



48 THE ALAMO 

Furious with rage when home his soldiers came 
With neither flags nor guns nor spoils of war, 
With cunning messages their passions to inflame, 
To all his regions he sent his heralds far, 
Urging his followers who loved their homes to fight 
For their country's honor and their sacred faith, 
Promising wealth and honor, power and might, 
Glorv on earth and heaven after death. 



All lures and bribes before their minds he placed 
Dressed in bright language pilfered from the page 
Of holy writ. His purpose foul, thus graced, 
Caught saint and sinner, simpleton and sage. 



Too well he knew the Devil's greatest power 

Lies in his cunning similitude of right. 

A power begotten in that dark hour 

He first planned treason 'gainst the God of might, 

Tried cautiously at first and whispered low 

To one sworn friend, then two, then bolder grown 

He spoke to many, won their faith and so 

He hurled a host against Jehovah's throne 

Only to find though Fate, herself, should fight 

That all her thunderbolts in vain were driven. 



THE ALAMO 

God is supreme, all strength, all love, all light, 

His throne is fixed immovable in heaven, 

Nor felt the charge, but from heaven's height was hurled. 

With his raging hosts, the author of all sin 

Filled with fierce wrath, who in this lower world 

Wages the strife which in heaven did begin. 

Man is the victim, often man's the tool, 

And Santa Anna is now his highest priest, 

Strong in eloquence and power to rule, 

Claiming God's sanction when serving Mammon most. 

With pious words he leads his army back 
And proudly boast of Glory for the brave, 
Urging them forward to the fierce attack, 
The Mexican's triumph and the Texan's grave. 

Many follow; even those who swore 
To fight the gallant Texans nevermore 
Are loudest in their clamor while they boast 
Oi dire revenge for every banner lost. 



THE ALAMO 

The birds that carol in the tr s. 

The squirrels that chatter in the wood?. 

The beasts that haunt the solitudes 
Of forests wild, these, only th se. 
1 l all who in that realm remain 
Their freeborn heritage retain. 
For men who drove from out their land 
The Spanish hordes and bondage evil 
Are ruled by Santa Anna's hand 
And he's in bondage to the devil. 
And now he strives to make our land 
Support his tottering tin 
Unknowing that the noble free 
Will yield to death alone. 

Early one morning the beat of drum, the blast 

Of bugle and the lusty clarion call 

Awake the slumbering garrison and fast 

They rush to every port hole in the wall. 

They see their city reposing in the glow 

Of rosy morn — -like infancy at rest 

In innocence ami purity, unheeding care and woe 

In the calmness of confidence upon its mother's breast. 



THE A.LAJIO 51 

But further on like the sea's tempestuous tide 

An outer city stretches far and wide 

Clamorous with noises, tumultuous with strife 

And all the many attributes of fierce and bloody life. 

It is the Mexican army, proud in its display 

Of brilliant uniforms and myriad banners gay. 

Though fierce in anger, though they know within 
The army's small, they tremble to begin 
The struggle fierce. Too well they know 
The prowess of each valiant foe. 

And so the coward minions wait 

In terror at the outer gate 

Till reinforcements swell their throng 

And make their force ten thousand strong. 

Seven score and ten this force oppose 
And shout defiance to their foes 
And swear their banner e'er shall wave 
Above their freedom or their grave. 



THE ALAMO 



CHAPTER VIII. 



As day by day increased the Mexican hosts 
And closer drew their lines around our little band, 
Bonham, a trusted courier, secretly the borders crossed 
And went to ask for aid from their beloved land. 



He found that land by discord pierced and torn., 
Bleeding and helpless in her hour of need. 
Traitors had crossed the threshold and had borne 
Her strength away in their unholy greed 
To wear the laurels which their state did place 
On worthier brows. To death and to disgrace 



T HE AL A M i 

They led the band which should have gone to save 

Their hard-pressed comrades who so bravely did withstand 

The Mexican attack and boldly gave 

Shot back for shot, then to their chosen land 

Offered their lives anew and without dread or pause, 

Vowed to achieve her freedom or perish in her cause. 

Before the council Bonham did relate 

His comrades' danger and their sore distress. 

He asked for rescue from their impending fate 

From the fierce legions which on every side did press 

Eager for blood, determined to overthrow 

The dauntless few that manned the Alamo. 



A^ain was his pleading, although his earnest words 
Sank deep in hearts already filled with woe. 
Potter arose and waving aloft his sword, 
Moved that they march at once to aid the Alamo. 
Then each heart bounded at the welcome words 
"On to the Alamo" was every man's reply 
While in the air waved fifty hats and swords. 
For all were eager to aid their friends or die. 



THE A LA M 

Now in their midst rose one solemn and grave 
And thoughtful ever for his country's weal. 
All hushed to listen for all knew him brave 
And that his words true wisdom would reveal. 

Houston arose : "Friends, with our helpless state 

Our duty lies. Our valor, strength and lives 

Are riot our own but at her call must wait 

And she must live though not one here survive. 

What is this thing you council? Fifty men 

Against an army. A breath against a storm. 

It could not help your comrades or your state : why then 

Help glut the vengeance of the Mexican swarm ? 

Think ye those men would have you leave your p 

Xay. they are soldiers tried and true and brave. 

They do not value life at such tremendous cost. 

Their cherished land they'll gladly die to save. 



'Tiemember states need brains as well as arms 

And need them clearest in war's most dire alarms. 

Then bide ye here and with your councils grave 

Give >trcngth and purpose to the efforts of the brave, 

While, aided by your prayers, I go 

And take what force I can to aid the Alamo. 



T HE AL A M 55 

Our men are scattered over hill and plain, 

The foe are many and very short the time, 

And if our hope to save our friends is vain 

And they must fall as martyrs in their prime, 

Then may the God of Liberty once more 

Give vengeance to his people, may the foe 

Drink deep the draught which to our land they bore 

From the dark fiends that rule in Mexico." 



Then. Bonham spoke again, ."Kind friends and true, 

T thank you for the good you fain would do. 

You cannot help us now. Your duty plain 

Is at your post. Mine, mine again 

Points to my comrades. 0, believe me, friends, 

Though sore our need, your course my heart commends. 

Eemember strength in union lies, that discord now 

Would be your ruin. May our God on high 

Guide all your councils. While our strength allows 

At sunrise you will hear our signal gun. Collect your men 

And hasten. If you fail to hear 

Our gun at sunrise, dear friends, know then 

That death has come or else is very near; 

Then seek the foe elsewhere. Dear friends, good bve." 



THE ALAMO 

Thsv&i many pkaM winli In to remain 

W^^r^ Honor Bg«iL Kfcp- one of AnwHw ^nmr figne. 
zaofweiL ht foUtowned to Ids ©anain doom, 
like- a efesrm©i J Loi g M feoMBr fofr want less wat 
Afireadhr Bwrigtiirtr wiHn ii: : 

H-r HOlit£ £ Bffiaife 1 Off «HT watefiuM fo£ 

i 3 wt Mnhaonsigdl lie ff£*dta&I ulie Alamo. 
Hlmfe . ne- fire«Hi Trite Mwe Gamftafiwpts bank? 

A 1fcw ooH -: z~- i :. i i ~;zie.L n&e- iaiiaBOfftial ran 



A day . 5 iff rammer j±<jw 
Comes* «ii& tike sfiealBi) -if Ttmsasoei 
<_z. : ":^ 'i-T z:- _' ~- : :_ ; z ~ 
Anal tdta? gaarlii in H e t trz_ ~, 
Samite: ftarik tas< fit e z: i wimg 
WMfe ite? ffeafifcsrasl dboer is t- b oriing ns- testacy on k^^ 



: TtBue mm eel trite 
In tineir wintfier of despair 
Came a Bright and glowing: 

non t:* want and J 
Wltem Bonftiam on M* steed of wMte 
Bm# I : i-r a ssnlbcaiiii on tibetr f. 26. c_ 



THE ALAMO 

But like the early flowers of earth 
That venture forth to greet the spring, 
When smitten by the Frost-king's breath 
Their hopes lay dead and withering. 

When Bonham gave the message from his state 
And each man there knew that he soon must die 
Their courage shrank not. but calm, serene and great, 
Shone with a radiance reflected from on high. 

Then Travis in their midst arose. 
Tall like a king among the great 
While majesty in calm repose 
Shone from his beaming- eves elate. 



"Friends and companions, brave and tried, 
In every danger true as steel. 
In whom my faith has e'er relied 
Your destiny I must reveal. 



THE A LA M 

•■ Tis come; the hour of our fate. 
You'll meet it like brave men I know 
And for the honor of your state 
You will not shrink before the foe. 

"My friends. I have deceived you long. 
Having myself been first deceived 
By assurance of assistance strong 
And promises of aid which I believed. 



"But we must not blame our friends at home 
For many have fallen: few remain. 
Like patriots let us meet our doom 
And let our deaths be Fret 's _rain. 



"However, no man's choice I make. 
If to escape you wish to try. 
But for my bleeding country*.- sake 

I mean to battle till I die. 



THE ALAMO 59 



"Since our fate is sealed and we must die 
Let each man here such valor show 
That fear and dread will magnify 
Our numbers to the coward foe. 



"0 ! let us kill them as they come 
And kill them as they scale our walls. 
We fight for country, friends and home' 
And even r wretched foe that falls 



"Will help to break the iron- chains 
In which our country struggles now. 
0, may our efforts and our pains 
Help place the laurels on her brow. 

"Before us is the most glorious cause 
For which a patriot may die — 
For country, wife and child. I pause 
Dear friends and comrades, for your reply." 



60 Til /•; .1 LA MO 



He ceased to speak and over all 
There fell the silence of the grave, 
The warm and silent drops that fall 
Reveal the tenderness of the brave. 



0, blame then not if, for awhile 
Home-thoughts came thronging thick and fast, 
While memory of a sob or smile 
Chained their strong spirits to the past. 

Scarce had the mist-clouds dimmed their eyes 
And home-thoughts stirred each valiant soul 
Ere Glory with most brilliant dyes 
Revealed to them her dazzling scroll. 

And looking down the glowing line 
Of future years with faith and trust 
They see the full fruition shine 
Of all they hope for most. 



THE ALAMO 61 



'Tis o'er, the weakening spell is o'er 
And high resolves, in each eye, shine 
As before his men, upon the floor 
With motion swift, Travis drew a line. 

"All who like heroes wish to die 
And patriots brave come o'er to me. 
Be sure that time will glorify 
Your deed to all posterity." 

Then over that line of glory eternal 
Each man promptly took his place 
While the light of valor supernal 
Illumined each glowing face. 

E'en the sick and helpless were carried 
To their place in the ranks of the brave. 
Not a man for a moment tarried 
It the hope that his life he might save. 

The glorious deeds of days agone, 
Of Troy and Thermopylae,* 
Were stars that paled beside the sun 
Of their immortal destiny. 



THE ALAMO 



CHAPTER IX. 



Calmly the sun went down. Hushed were the pain 
And strife that filled the day with clamor. Furled 
Were the plumes of war and once again 
Peace claimed her old dominion o'er the world. 



Beyond all earthly aid these soldier? stand 
Calm in the anti-chamher of that eternal life 
Our blindness hath called death. A grand 
And mighty majesty is theirs. The strife 
Of months is conquered and afar 
Above the gloom of their Gethsemane. for them 
The light of heaven dawns, like that bright star 
That once stood motionless above fair Bethlehem. 



THE ALA 31 63 

They look on death quite close, beyond its gloom 
They catch the gleam of immortality. Its light 
Illumines, for them the darkness of the tomb 
And casts upon each face a radiance bright. 

Awed and transformed awhile they stand 
In eloquent silence while in their ears 
Like angel music from their rescued land 
Rings grateful praise of glad urmumbered years. 

Then like an echo, buoyant and strong, 
In notes triumphant on the midnight air. 
They pour their 'raptured spirits out in song 
Of love and home, of faith and hope and prayer. 

Too proud to need our pity, too triumphant for our tears, 
They stand upon a pinnacle "twixt the past and future years. 
And with prophetic eyes they view a vast unnumbered throng 
Who catch the inspiration and glory of that song. 



THE ALAMO 65 

As it rings adown the ages, the brave of aftertimes 
Will seek their sacred ashes from all countries and all climes, 
Will come as pilgrims to a shrine, will kneel above their dust 
Will pray for courage strong as theirs, for wisdom true and 

just; 
And when they to their homes return will be more true and 

brave 
Because of inspiration gained above that glorious grave. 

Heirs of the world's great deeds, more grand, more vast, 
The heritage of future years shall be 
Than all the mighty 7 records of that splendid past 
Enriched by their undying deeds while time shall be. 

Just outside the walls of the mission 
Santa Anna and his spies linger long. 
The spies thrill will fear as they listen 
To the triumphant notes of that song. 



TEE ALA M 

Its meaning to them was full of terror. 
Assistance and rescue were near. 
So they shrank from a battle with horror. 
In eowardlv dread and fear. 

But Santa Anna, who might have been truly great 

Had holiness found shelter in his heart. 

Knew 'twas a hero's welcome sung to a martyr's fate 

After all hope of earthly aid did from their hearts depart. 

Then, like a demon near the gates of Heaven. 
Who sees their bliss but cannot mar its joy. 
Who hear their songs borne on the breath of eve'n 
Peans of triumph which nothing can alloy. 

hears, and knows their spirits still will be 
Undaunted and unconquered. strong and free. 
That high above his greatest rage and hate 
The glory of their deaths will radiate 
In light eternal and blinded by that light 
He determines to quench it by the power of his might, 
Hoping to keep their courage all unknown 
And by a mighty victory make the glory all his own. 




And while they died that glorious death 
Eternity looked down 
And laid upon each martyred brow 
Fame's everlasting crown. 



6S THE ALA}[0 

With impotent fury, back to his tents he came 

And set his minions to his task of death. 

Through midnight gloom far flashed his cannon's flame 

And with its echoes waked the slumbering earth. 

Within the song is hushed. Each soldier's face 
Grows stern and hard like a deep-fixed rock 
Unmoved by storm or torrent at whose base 
The mighty ocean, vainly flings its tidal shock. 

Xearest the foe the dauntless Travis stands 
Calm, confident, undaunted, like a god 
Who knows himself immortal. With his little band 
Eager and proud he waits the rising flood. 

They wait in perfect silence. From below 

The discords of a mighty rabble swell 

Above the noise the note of Duquelo* 

Eise like a dirge from the blackest depths of hell. 



*A national air of Mexico, which means "No Quarter. 



THE ALAMO 69 

With rifles firmly clasped, with heart and brain 
Strung to their utmost tension, they wait the light. 
Unwilling wait, impatient to begin 
Their last great struggle for their country's rights. 

The first grey light reveals the advancing foe. 

Instantly the smoke of guns conceals 

The glory of the dawn, the eastern glow. 

Their groans and clamor now alone reveal 

The Mexican hosts. When the smoke has cleared away 

Beneath their ladders lies a mass of bleeding clay 

That, stilled fcrever, now greets the god of day. 

Over this bleeding mass, their comrades mount again. 

Again the breath of cannon sweeps the ladders bare 

And in the deathful fury of that leaden rain 

The Mexicans pause in terrible despair 

And backward turn. Alas ! the safety of retreat 

Is not for them. Their officers, like demons, stand 

And force them up again. Xow though they meet 

Death from above, hurled by the little band, 

They clamor up the walls. In vain the brave 

And stern defenders send hundreds to their craves. 



Thousands replace them, until at last 
The plaza's gained. Xow hand to hand 
The conflict rages. Xow backward pressed 



THE A L A I 

:n the cnurch they make their last brave stand. 
Here still .like gods, they fight. Here, one by one 
They fall. The altar raised for prayer and praises sweet 
I.- baptized with their blood. Ere the sun 
Has reached his zenith, the massacre is eomp. 
The martyrs lie. surrounded by their slain, 
A smile of triumph rests upon each : 
As though they gaze through time and space 
And know their sacrifice is not in vain. 

Thus as a ransom true and great 

Beneath the smile of heaven. 

On the altar of their infant state 

Their noble lives were giYen 

And while the\ died that glorious death 

Eternity looked down 

And laid upon each martyred brow 

Fame's everlasting crown. 



C"3 



HTTHX WM33U 




An Incident of Our Civil War. 



Alas! for southern valor, 

Alas ! for southern right 
And for the gallant soldiers 

Who perished in the fight, 
Who cherished southern honor 

And never left their post 
When the light of southern chivalry 

Defied a northern host. 



THE ALAMO 



Alas ! for those who perished 

And gave their lives in vain 
Whose warmest truest hearts-blood 

Flowed like the autumn rain. 
Who hastened to the banner 

When first they heard the call 
And to save their country's chartered right: 

Unswervinelv £ave all. 



Who struggled on for four years 

Till every hope had fled. 
And our noble general yielded 

Above our heroes dead. 
Although they lost the battle 

Let past events reveal 
That many a throbbing southern heart 

Was brave and true as steel. 

They left their happy firesides 
Their loved ones' clinging arms. 

They left their peace and safety 
For war's loud alarms. 

They made a noble choice between 
A coward's life or patriot's grave. 



LITTLE PAUL 73 



With men like these for fathers 
Could our boys be else than brave? 

All honor to our gallant dead, 

Let loving hearts and true 
Give to their sacred ashes 

The love and homage due. 
But now I would sing the praises 

Of a noble little boy 
Who saved the southern army 

And filled the south with joy. 

It was in the quiet gloaming 

Of the first days of July. 
Summer's seal was in the forest 

And her glory in the sky. 
All was fair and fresh and peaceful 

And the twilight shadows gray 
Hung like a benediction o'er 

The closing of the day. 

Down where a tiny river 

Ean through the forest green 



THE AL A M 

Sat Paul, a little lad 

Who scarce ten years had seen, 
Though his form was small and childish 

His heart was brave and strong 
As he sat there musing sadly 

O'er his country's woes and wrongs. 

For over all this fertile land 

Hung the ominous cloud of war. 
Though this fair land had only seen 

Its lightning from afar. 
But many a man had journeyed thence 

To fill a soldier's tomb, 
And Paul had heard the orphan's cry 

And seen the ruined home. 



But tonight o'er all that country 

Hung a quiet, peaceful calm — 
The treacherous silence that always 

Precedes the rising storm. 
Paul sat dreaming there of peace 

Beside that murmuring stream, 
And no sound of strife or battle 

Broke upon his happy dream. 



LITTLE PAUL 75 

But hark ! The earth trembles and soldiers in gray 
On dust covered steeds are riding this way. 
While close in their wake are soldiers in blue 
Who on fast gaining charges the Southrons pursue, 

"Oh, God! will they take them?" A half uttered prayer 
Eose to Paul's lips when sharp on the air 
Sounded a rifle, one sharp cry of pain. 
The soldiers pass by. All is silent again. 

The silence is broken, a moan of despair 
Eises and dies on the sweet twlight air. 
A soldier lies bleeding and faint in the road, 
His gray coat is reeking and crimson with blood. 

Paul came and bent o'er him and lifted his head, 
But his face was so pale Paul thought the man dead. 
"0, God ! spare his life," prayed the lad soft and low, 
"To fight for our country and solace her woe." 



At last the brave soldier's eyes opened wide, 
"All is lost, all is lost!" in anguish he cried, 



THE ALAMO 

papers I earrv our army would save. 
N >w the flag of the foe o'er our ramparts will wave. 

"I could give my life and count it gain 

If I could only know 
That I had caused one victory 

ver my country's foe. 
But now — n and more than mortal agony 

V :>ne in his dimming e; 
"I ne'er can help my country more 

And vainly do I di~." 



He paused awhile then clasped his hands 

And conquered his despair. 
And in Christian faith and courage 

He breathed an earnest priv 
That God would send a messenger 

take his papers on the way 
That thev might reach his general's hand 

Before the dawn of dav. 



LITTLE PAUL 77 



As Paul knelt beside the soldier 

A spirit brave and true 
Seemed to fill his childish bosom 

With strength to dare and do 
He spoke in faith and hope, 

Of God's promises so fair 
That he would surely, surely, hear 

The Christian's earnest prayer. 

"You've asked Him for a messenger, 

I offer you my life, 
And vow to take your papers safe 

Or perish in the strife. 
If you will trust them in my hands 

And teach me how to go 
That I may find your general 

And he yet may victory know." 

"But it is night," the soldier cried, 
"The way is long and wild, 
Beset with snares and dangers, 

And you are but a child. 
But still if you could take them," 



78 THE ALAMO 

And his eyes with hope grew bright, 
**Our country will reward you 
Though I shall die tonight.'*'* 

Paul answered like a patriot, 

3od will guard the brave 
And take a child in safety 

To where our banners w 
If I but put my faith in Him 

He will surely take me through 
7 : save our bleeding Country 
our flag of bonnie blue." 

When the soldier looked upon him 
He saw his face aglow 
fch the faith that led our martvrs 
In triumph through their woe. 

H> ts and fears all vanished. 

7 mist before the sun. 

While hope revealed a picture 
Of a brilliant victory won. 



LITTLE PAUL 79 

So he placed within Paul's keeping 

All the papers for which he gave 
His life a willing sacrifice., 

If only he might save 
And send them to his commander; 

Then he told the boy the way, 
That he might reach the general's camp 

Before the dawn of day. 

Then he spoke of friends and loved ories 

In his home so far away, 
Of a sweetheart, young and lovely, 

Of a mother, old and gray — 
How he loved them, how their memory 

Had nerved his arm to fight — 
And he prayed that they might meet him 

In his Father's home so bright. 

Now upon his dying features 

Shone a look of love and grace, 
As if through the gates of heaven 

He beheld that Father's face ; 
And while the glory deepened 




Paul hid him with his mantle. 

Crossed his hands upon his breast, 
Then with a last and lingering look 

He left him to his rest. 



LITTLE PAUL 81 



His spirit took its flight 
To a home among the angels. 
Where all is peace and right. 

Our soldier died for home and friends, 

And He who died for all 
Will take him home in glory 

To His Father's heavenly halls. 
Thns he helped to gain a victory 

And a home in heaven won, 
Though the South had lost a hero, 

A mother, her dear son. 



Paul hid him with his mantle, 

Crossed his hands upon his breast, 
Then, with a long and lingering look, 

He left him to his rest. 
He mounted the brave charger 
That still stood near his side, 
And, with his papers firmly clasped, 
He started on his ride. 



THE AL A M 

On one side he could see the firelight 

From his mother's window shine, 
But he only sighed, and looked away. 

And left it far behind. 
He knew within that cottage, 

When his absence should be known, 
Would be anxiety and sorrow, 

While his mother wept and mourned. 

For a moment then he faltered, 

And his eyes were wet with tears, 
As he thought of all her anguish, 

All her wild and torturing fears; 
But he strove against the impulse, 

And conquered the desire; 
He left his home behind him, 

And his mother's cheerful fire. 

Soon he could see before him 
The lights of a village shine, 

And heard, upon the steeple, 
The village clock strike nine. 

Still onward, over onward, 



LITTLE PAUL 

His charger almost flew, 
•And Paul, clinging on with all his might, 
Prayed God to take him through. 

The moon rose up in splendor, 

And lent her welcome light, 
But soon a dark and stormy cloud 

Hid her smiling face from sight: 
The lightning flashed, the thunder roared, 

And filled his heart with fear, 
But still he struggled bravely on 
Through the tempest dark and drear. 

At last the horse's strength was gone — 

He fell dead in the road; 
But still Paul struggled bravely on, 

Through storm and rain and mud. 
On, on, the way seemed endless; 

But the sky began to clear, 
And soon the moon shone out again, 

To banish doubt and fear. 



84 T HE AL A M 



Alas, for our little hero, 

His own strength was failing fast; 
His feet were torn and bleeding, 

And his courage sank at last. 
He stopped at a lighted cabin, 

For he could walk no more; 
He called loudly on his general's name. 

And fainted at the door. 



Within the cabin were the men 

Whom Paul had come to seek ; 
They lifted him up gently, 

And bathed his brow and cheek. 
They rubbed his hands and warmed his feet, 

And tried to ease his pain, 
And watched with care and pity 

Till he could speak again. 

When consciousness came back to Paul, 

Just at the dawn of day, 
He saw, around his bedside, 

Three soldiers dressed in gray. 
So he told them of the papers, 



LITTLE PAUL 85 



And how the soldier died 
Who had trusted him to bring them, 
Of his long and dangerous ride. 



They looked at him in wonder, 

At the small and fragile form, 
Who to serve his cherished country 

Had braved the night and storm. 
When they showed him his commander 

His heart was full of joy; 
And the battelfleld was won that day 

By the courage of a boy. 

The papers told our general 

The secrets of the foe, 
And he knew their weakest places, 

Where to strike the surest blow. 
He told his men that morning 

How a noble little child 
Had brought the papers safely, 

Through the tempest, fierce and wild. 




- : _ - 



LITTLE PAUL 81 

Through all the heat of battle, 

Through the anguish and the pain, 
'Neath the iron stroke of saber 

And the storm of leaden rain; 
Where Death looks on in triumph 

While heroes bleed and die, 
Each soldier thought of that brave deed 

And kept his courage high. 

And when the day was ended, 

And the shadows fell once more 
O'er the valley strewn with corpses, 

O'er the river, red with gore, 
Paul heard the cry of victory 

Resounding near and far, 
While on our ramparts waved the flag 

That bears a single star. 



THE v LVNTIZ- - 



-: : :- ; , ~t =^r-:lrrir. . - jr. 
Who fought "raath the flag of the red, wisite and bine; 
- - - -■- ~t 5— rr-.. --7- _ • :•:-": -f. 



-:■: :-:jr :•:; - _ : - - - 
Good-bye. boys, good-bye. 
Good-bye, boys, good-bye. 

"-: : - " - -j - _ :r: ~ r: _ - " - 

- • :-': -■-. mj -—re:' — - _ - jr. 
T_ll TTri::.rr -7:-." :-il>: ~r re: ::*-■= :: izrr.- 



THE VOLUNTEERS 89 



CHORUS. 

Then he shouldered his gun to avenge the Maine, 
Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye, 
And then with his captain he boarded the train; 
Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye. 

CHORUS. 

I viewed the train through a mist of tears, 
Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye, 

All loaded down with volunteers. 
Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye. 

CHORUS. 

He sailed off to Cuba, so gallant and brave, 
Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye, 

And fought till our flag on old Moro did wave; 
Good-bye, my sweetheart, good-bye. 

CHORUS. 

Then it's cheer, boys, cheer, 
Then it's cheer, boys, cheer, 
Then it's cheer, boys, cheer, 
Three cheers for the bovs in blue ! 



90 THE ALAMO 



Then when his duty in Cuba was done. 

Hurrah for the boys in blue ! 
He sailed back home to his faithful one; 

Hurrah for the boys in blue ! 

CHORUS. 

We greet the train with our grateful cheer, 

Hurrah for the boys in blue ! 
The nation honors its volunteers: 

Hurrah for the boys in blue ! 

CHORUS. 



VINDICATION 

To the court in our capital city 

The eyes of the Southland are turned — 

Will it give to our hero and idol 
The laurels he justly hath earned? 

At last will it mete out the justice 

Withheld by our country so long? 
Shall the names of Schley and Dewey 
, Be linked in lyric and song? 

Will it place by the side of our Dewey 

Another as noble and brave, 
Who sustained the tierce heat of the conflict. 

The fleet of his countrv to save? 



Oh, the heart of the Southland was heavy 
With the weight of injustice and wrong, 

The envy and cold ingratitude 
Its idol had borne so lonof. 



THE ALA. 

He smiled when his ungrateful country 

ve to another the praise — 
If only his flee: ictorious, 

f ired he for laurels or bavs ? 



Bnt when ignominy was added, 

The eup of endurance was full: 
S all the unsullied name of his father- 

Go down on the records with Hull? 

X;. ! The name he received from his father 

His children as proudly shall w; 
And the pages of history forever 

Their records of justice shall bear. 

Still Dewey, the hero of Manilla. 

The real decision must make: 
We wait in faith for his verdict. 

Which the country that loves him will take. 

Tie over! the verdict is rendered: 
Let the heart of the Southland rejoice. 

Till the furtherest bounds of the Xorthland 
Shall echo its jubilant voice. 




When I'm a man, a man, 

I'll be a soldier if I can — 

And I can. 

I'll wear the blue; 

I'll be so true 

To my country and you, 

You'll be 

Proud of me, 

When I fight for liberty. 




A Plea for Davis 







In ancient Greece, when time was young 

And Sparta's sun ascendant. 
When through the laws Lyeurgns gave. 

Her valor shone resplendent; 



The Spartans held the Helots slaves. 

And bondage so tyrannical 
Moved Jupiter to rage, who gave 

A Solon to their rival. 



A PLEA FOR DAVIS 95 



He made laws to rule his land 
In charity and wisdom, 

And laid in her acropolis 

The corner-stone of Freedom. 



Then Athens grew in art and lore, 
Each year more strength attaining, 

And soon on Sparta's boasted might 
Quite rapidly was gaining. 

For Solon made each slave a man, 
With a freeman's rights inviolate; 

In making laws to rule their land 
All subjects might participate. 

But on the consciences of men 
He laid no false restrictions; 

In civil conflicts each man might 
Fight for his own convictions. 



9C THE ALAMO 

And they alone who failed to draw 
Their swords to win their cause 

Were cowards called, and nevermore 
Might help to make their laws. 

Soon Athens, in her strength and power, 

And wisdow true and just, 
Bent Sparta's false and vaunting pride, 

And trailed it in the dust. 



Then Helots, taking heart once more, 
Formed a freeman's brave alliance, 

And in Ithome's unyielding walls 
Set their masters at defiance. 



When in our infancy our sires 

The constitution drafted, 
They took some of the Athenian's laws 

And in our charter grafted. 



A PLEA FOR DAT I S 91 

When civil conflict shook our land, 

And brother fought with brother, 
Each chose the side he thought was right 

And fiercely charged the other. 

For four long years the battle raged, 

And filled our land with weeping; 
Until upon our battlefields 

Many brave men were sleeping. 

At last, on Appomattox' field, 

Lee offered Grant his sword, 
And ne'er to fight the Union more 

Plighted his faithful word. 

But Grant at once returned the sword, 

In true and noble justice, 
And paid unto the fallen chief 

A tribute to his greatness. 




Q m 



<CJ 



A PLEA FOE DAVIS 90 



Long years have past, and from our land 
The cloud of war. has vanished, 

And frcm our hearts, by union joined, 
All hatred we have banished. 



One sorrow dims our present joy — 

Davis, the Southern chief, 
Died an outcast in his native land, 

Bearing all blame and grief. 

But hark ! from Cuba's struggling shore 
Sounds the muskets' roar and rattle; 

To-day. athwart an azure sky, 
Gleamed the harbingers of battle. 



A sword and cannon, snowy white. 

Symbolical of purity, 
Changed to an arch, which clasped and bound 

The North and South in unity.* 

LOfr. 



100 T II E A L A M 

Xow we, with eyes of faith, may read 
The vision's meaning plain. 

And hail with joy the chance to purge 
From Davis' name the stain: 

And rallying 'round our country's flag, 
From valley, field and hill, 

We hope to prove that Southern men 
Are patriotic still. 



Then, when in answer to the call 

Of our united nation. 
We've freely poured our life blood out 

Upon the land and ocean. 

In aiding Cuba's struggling cause, 

Or fighting for the honor 
Of our dear land where'er shall wave 

Her heaven-given banner. 



A PLEA FOR DAVIS 101 

We'll ask our Government to write 

Again upon its pages 
Our chieftain's name where it may remain 

Through all the coming ages. 

And may the God of Attica 

Eeveal the Athenian's wisdom, 
And teach us that a nation's strength 

Lies in its subjects' freedom. 




In the dawn of May-day morning 

Our ships entered Manila bay, 
And steamed, without pausing or warning, 

To where the grim enemy lay: 
Then from the throats of our sailors 

Eang their war-cry. "Kemember the Maine !" 
Sending confusion and terror 

Through the ranks of treacherous Spain. 



MANILA 108 



For a moment each sailor and gunner 

Bowed his head in silence to pray 
That God, the avenger of evil. 

Would watch o'er our vessels that day; 
Then, louder than blasts of the trumpet 

Or music of fife or drum, 
Sounded the roar of the cannon, 

And the shrieking of shell and bomb. 



But over our ships and our seamen 

The war-god kept guard that day. 
And through all the heat of the conflict 

Turned the enemy's missiles away; 
But he gave to the noble avengers 

Of our martyrs who sank with Maine, 
The power to hurl death and destruction 

To the minions and vessels of Spain. 



When the fierce conflict was over 
Not a flag of yellow was seen, 

But o'er all the ships in the harbor 
Old Glory was floating serene; 

Our men all answered the roll-call, 
And our nation's gratitude flows 



10k T II E A L A M 



To the noble crews of our squadron, 
Who destroyed the fleet of our foes. 



To thee, George Dewey, the commander, 

We offer a great nation's thanks, 
And pray that thy war-cry may ever 

Send confusion through the enemy's ranks. 
We sing thy glad praises, nor falter 

For fear that dishonor or shame 
Will ever overtake or diminish 

The light of thy glorious name.* 

For the things that are omens of evils 

To monarchs, their subjects and slaves, 
Have always brought triumph and honor 

Where the flag of Columbia waves; 
And when, in the wars of the future, 

A commander wins fame on the sea, 
We will call his victory his Manila, 

And will liken the hero to thee. 



*This refers to the superstition that it is unlucky to sing a warrior' 
praise until after his death. 




Our War With Spain 







sTF 



My children, yon beg for a story — 

Shall I tell how Columbia's brave sons 
Dared to fight and die for her glory, 

How they faced the enemy's guns? 
How mowed down the ranks of the Spaniards; 

How they faced disease, danger and death ? 
How they charged without pausing or shinking 

Before the cannon's hot breath? 




Her daughters as true as their brothers 
Went bravely to pest house and camp. 



OUR WAR WITH SPAIN 107 



Her daughters, as true as their brothers, 

Went bravely to pest-house and camp, 
And tenderly nursed the sick soldiers, 

And smoothed from their brows the death damp. 
Oh, nobly they did their full duty ! 

No poet of future years 
Can sing of a lack of their nursing, 

Or a dearth of their womanly tears. 



For years we had seen the poor Cubans 

Contend for their freedom in vain; 
We had seen them driven back and outnumbered 

By the cruel army of Spain. 
Their faithful wives were insulted; 

Their maidens with violence were torn 
From the homes that had sheltered their childhood, 

And to loathsome prisons were borne. 

We longed with the longing of freemen 

To see the whole world free; 
We prayed that the struggling Cubans 

Might gain their liberty; 
And we sent on a peaceful mission 



108 THE ALA M 



Our gallant battleship Maine 
To a port in Cuban waters. 
Beneath the flag of Spain. 

One night, when their tasks were ended. 

And the clock had chimed the hour of release, 
"While our weary men were sleeping 

The calm, sweet sleep of peace. 
There came a crash like thunder, 

Tearing our vessel in twain — 
Down went our ship, with its sailors, 

Victims of treacherous Spain. 

Then over this land of Freedom 

Swept a great cyclone of wrath. 
And we vowed, as we mourned our sailors. 

Full vengeance for their death. 
Xow over all our country 

Is heard the clashing of steel. 
While the hurried massing of armies 

Our purpose doth reveal. 



OUR WAR WITH SPAIN 109 



Brave patriots are marching, 

From cities and ranches and farms, 
And at the call of their country 

They offer their lives and arms. 
We see them leaving our borders, 

Without regret or fears; 
We know they will keep, untarnished, 

The glory of vanished years. 

Each soldier holds in his bosom 

A talisman 'gainst all fear; 
The spell-word of their courage 

Is "Liberty," so dear. 
Oh, they were born and nurtured 

Where Freedom's anthems ring, 
Where a true American patriot 

Eanks higher than a king. 

Now should other nations dare meddle, 

Let them hear Wisdom's voice and beware, 

For we send forth our sons to battle, 
Well-armored with courage and prayer; 

And he who fights with our army 



OUR WAR WITH SPAIN 111 



Must face an invincible host, 
For Freedom still fights with her children, 
And her cause can never be lost. 



Scarce had our bugle sounded 

Its notes of warning afar, 
Proclaiming to all the nations 

That we and Spain were at war, 
Than there came from across the waters 

Glad tidings of victory sweet — 
Our Dewey in far-off Manila 

Had vanquished the Spanish fleet. 

Through the swamps 'round Santiago de Cuba, 

Against odds fearful and great, 
Up the cannon-crowned hill of El Caney, 

With the resistless fury of fate, 
Our troops climbed slowly upward, 

While their comrades were falling around, 
And the blood of heroes immortal 

In torrents covered the ground. 



112 T II E A L A M 



Xow on the breast of the ocean 

Is heard the roar of the fight. 
The boasted fleet of the Spaniards 

Is steaming away in full flight, 
Bnt our gallant Schley is chasing. 

And soon the vessels of Spain 
flare disappeared from the waters — 

Just vengeance for the Maine. 

While our noble sailors were rending. 

With their cries of victory, the air 
TLey thought of their fallen companions, 

And bowed their heads in prayer: 
Then, with hearts subdued by this sorrow, 

They thanked God for His aid in the fight, 
Who always turns with His favor 

The balance for justice and right. 

Then our troops move on to the city. 

On. on through the ranks of the foe, 
And soon the emblem of Freedom 

7- waving from the crest of Moro. 



OUR WAR WITH SPAIN 113 

Oh, the blood of such heroes is sacred, 

And kinship with spirits like these 
Will strengthen our arms to battle, 

Upon the land and seas. 

Thus with the blood of the foemen, 

While their soldiers flee or fall, 
We interpret for the Spaniards 

The writing on the wall ; 
And now in the frenzy of terror 

They beg that the war shall cease, 
And ask us to tell M. Cambon 

Our easiest terms of peace. 

While love of our country still lingers, 

And memory of great deeds shall last, 
We will point with pride to the heroes 

Who ennobled the wars of the past. 
We will teach our children to love them, 

And wherever the war-winds blow, 
They will fight with courage, undaunted, 

Before the ranks of the foe. 



114 THE A LA M 

And shrined in the hearts of the people. 

Wherever our banner shall wave. 
Wherever the sunlight of Freedom 

Illumines the breast of the brave. 
The stars and stripes of Old Glory 

Forever and ever shall be 
The emblem and pride of our country. 

The anchor and hope of the free. 

My children, the story is finished: 

May it teach you that valor and worth 
Outweigh all other possessions. 

For heaven holds more than earth ; 
And should your country e'er need you. 

While our banner floats proudly on high, 
May it teach you to fight for her honor. 

With the courage to conquer or die. 



THE IDEAL 



We dream of a glorious ideal, 
And fashion a future so bright, 

Where the perfect is joined to the real, 
And pleasure and peace to the right; 

We dream of a fair to-morrow, 

Of love and bliss and joy, 
With never a pain or a sorrow 

Our perfect peace to alloy. 

But, alas ! when our youth is ended, 
And the sorrows of life are our own, 

When pain is with fondest hope blended, 
And peace from our bosoms has flown, 



110 THE ALAMO 



We think of our youthful ambition, 
And the future we fashioned so fair, 

Which brought so full a fruition 
Of misery, sorrow and care. 



But the things we have sought since life's morning, 
And will seek till the close of the day, 

We shall find at the srlorious dawning: 
When the sorrows of earth pass away. 

When the last farewell is spoken. 

And we've laid us down to rest, 
With our faith in Christ unbroken, 

And His promise in our breast, 

We shall find a fairer real 

Than by fancy ever given, 
And our almost lost ideal 

Shall be ours for aye in heaven. 




I am looking to-night through the vista 
Of years that are vanished and past, 

And the glamor and glory fall o'er me 
Of dreams too lovely to last. 



Again I can see around me 

The dear ones I loved in my youth, 

The ones who have passed forever 
From the joys and sorrows of earth. 



118 THE ALAMO 



I close my eyes and the present 
Gives place to the tilings of old, 

When life seemed fair as a flower. 
And the future a mystery untold. 

My dear old father and mother 
Are sitting again by the hearth, 

And the laughter of sisters and brothers 
Fills the quiet old room with their mirth. 

A manly form is beside me, 

His face with love aglow — 
'Tis he who wooed me and won me 

In the happy days long ago. 

Bnt I see not the long, waving grasses, 
Where they've all lain down to rest. 

For the loved of the past are with me, 
And the fullness of peace in my breast. 



AT EV EX TIDE 119 



I reach my arms yearningly toward them, 
But before I can speak they are gone; 

The loved of the past have vanished, 
My vision of happiness flown. 

But the peace that the dream has brought me 

Can never wholly depart, 
And the message of love that it left me 

Has lessened this pain at my heart; 

And I wait in faith by the river, 
Until I shall join them once more, 

And be reunited forever 

On that fair and beautiful shore. 



TWO LOVES 



There are moments of happiness hidden 
In the fair, sunny isles of the past, 

Which rise to mv memory, unbidden. 
Lite dreams too lovely to las 



But whenever my eyes backward wander. 

Ad own the dim vista of ye 
I can see. intermixed with the splendor. 

The lowering cloud of tears, 



And I hail as the past's chiefest treasure 
A vision of passion and pain: 

A face that thrilled me with pleasure 
My heart may ne'er feel again. 



TWO LOVES 121 



'Tis the face of a dear little maiden, 
A maiden I loved in my youth, 

When the mystical future seemed laden 
With laurels for virtue and truth. 



Her face had the light of the morning, 
Her eyes were as dark as the night; 

Upon her soft cheeks the bright dawning 
Had painted its gleamings of light. 



We had loved from life's earliest hours, 
And exchanged our vows many times; 

I had wooed her with blossoms and flowers, 
And praised her in sonnets and rhymes. 

For her sake I would win gold and glory, 
And climb the steep mountains of Fame; 

And then, for the end of the story, 
Would lay at her feet wealth and name. 



THE ALAMO 

Her eyes were loving and tender. 

As she vowed to be faithful and true, 
And I. as I gazed on their splendor, 

Felt the strensrth the whole world to subdue. 



Oh. bright seemed the future before me, 
As I labored by night and by day, 

While the glamor her love had thrown o'er me 
Chased all the dark shadows away. 



But while the years past and still found me 
A stranger to wealth and renown; 

While the obstacles fate had thrown 'round me. 
Like a millstone still held me down. 

There came from the city another, 

Far richer in lucre and land. 
And, heeding the voice of her mother, 

She gave the new suitor her hand. 



TWO LOVES m 



Bright smiled the skies above her. 

Though dark and gloomy my fate, 
And the heart she had once taught to love her, 

Was filled with contempt and hate. 

But when she came back from the city, 
With her face all weary and worn, 

I felt my heart throb with pity 
For rnv old love, so sad and forlorn. 



They brought her, when meadows were blooming, 

Back home in her casket of steel; 
The heart that once throbbed at my coming, 

Xor joy nor sorrow could feel. 

Thus death did her golden bond sever, 
After life had its bitterness proved, 

And I banished all hatred forever 
Ey tie ^rave of the girl I had loved. 




I met you 'neath an old oak's shadow 
And my heart acknowledged its queen. 



TWO LOVES 125 



For the beautiful maiden I cherished 

T still feel a tender regret; 
Though my passion for her has perished. 

Its sweet res? I ne'er can forget, 



But still dream of the whispered confession 

She made me so long ago, 
For a blissful, first-love impression 

The heart cannot wholly out-stow. 



But Time, with his fingers of healing, 

Touched lightly the wounds she had made, 

While nature to me was revealing 
New beauty in forest and glade. 



One day, when forest and meadow 

Were clothed in their mantles of green, 

I met you 'neath an old oak's shadow, 
And my heart acknowledged its queen. 



126 Til E A LAM 



The days have been sunny and pleasanl 

Since you placed your hand in mine, 
And from that time until the present 
Has my heart safely trusted in thine. 



Oh, my hist love is purest and sweetest, 
And flows without murmur or stop, 

As streams that run the deepest 
Are stillest at the top. 



IF I WERE DEAD 



If I were dead, beloved, you would come 
And gaze with tearful eyes upon my face: 
Would kneel beside me then, with loving grace, 
And rain warm kisses upon lip and brow. 
So thirsty for love's sweet assurance now. 

If I were dead, beloved, you would place 
My senseless form within a casket bright. 
And have it draped in costly raiment white, 
Then at my head vou'd raise a marble hisrh ; 
Yet while I live my fondest wish deny. 

If I were dead, beloved one. the faults 
That vex you now would all forgotten be. 
And only things that pleased in retrospect you'd see; 
Although in life no words of praise you said, 
Perhaps I'd please you. dear, if I were dead. 

Ah ! while I live, beloved one, I crave 
Thy loving kindness and thy gentle praise 
To light my pathway o'er life's rugged ways; 
:Now let the sunlight of thy love be shed — 
It could not wake me, dear, if I were dead. 




The shepherds on the hills heard anthems sweet. 



THE FIRST CHRISTMAS MORNING 



The world was lost in darkness. In the sky 
Stars pierced the gloom and prophesied of day. 
The folds lay quiet on the peaceful hills, 
And tender shepherds there kept watch and ward. 

In the dark valley the city dreaming lay, 
Lost in forgetfulness and sin, nor knew 
That it was lost. Strangers filled its inns; 
In a rude manger a gentle princess passed 
The night in pain. 

When morning dawned 
A baby nestled in her loving arms. 

The shepherds on the hills heard anthems sweet, 
And, looking up, saw heaven's hosts descend, 
And the bright star, that since that t me has shed 
Its light through all the world, dispelling gloom, 
Stood motionless above the manger where 
The baby, sleeping, lay. 

"Glory to God," sang the angel hosts again, 
"For a Savior is born to the world." 




Have you heard of the wonderful wish-tree 
That grows in the realm of King Frost ? 

The way to this wonderful wish-tree 
To all save St. Xicholas is lost 



THE LEGEND OF 8 ANT A CLAUS 131 



Once, so runs the legend, 

While Christ sojourned on earth 



There came a man to the Savior 



Who loved little ones and their mirth. 

He came with the wisdom of sages 

And a spirit undefiled, 
And knelt at the feet of the Master, 

With the trusting heart of a child, 

And begged that to him be given 

The privilege for aye 
To bring joy to little children 

On Jesus' natal day. 

Now Christ Himself loved the children, 
And to them His blessing was given, 

As He bade us all to be like them, 
For of such is the kingdom of heaven. 



THE A LAMO 



uehed the suppliant gently, 
Making him the children's knight, 
With the power to visit them yearly 
On the eve of Christmas bright. 



Then they planted in the Xorthland frozen 

A :ree which naught can 
On which should grow all the > a 

Of everv £irl and bo v. 



But when a child is naughty 

A toy falls from the tree. 
And Santa Claus grie- - the fragments 

Of the things that were to be. 



When he hears the glad Hosanna 
Of Christ-tide and its peace, 

Floating out over this weary planet. 
Bidding all tumult to cease. 



THE LEGEND OF 8 AN T A C LAU 8 



He comes, with his prancing reindeers, 

On his mission of love and joy, 
And leaves at every fireside 

Gifts for each girl and boy. 

Next morn in the earliest dawning, 

As the little ones find each toy, 
They wake this old earth from its dreaming 

With their happiness and joy. 

And in their innocent gladness, 

We catch faint echoes still 
Of the glorious song that the angels 

Sang on Judea's hill. 



HER RIVAL 




My love, you have asked me a question 
That is hard to answer true; 
You have asked if I e'er loved another 
Before I came courting von. 



And yet I will answer you truly, 
Since you must share my life; 

For no secret should ever he standing 
Between a man and his wife. 



Once in my earliest manhood 
I loved a maiden fair, 



HER RIVAL 185 



With eyes like the heart of a pansy, 
And bright and shining hair. 



I loved her fondly and blindly. 

With all love's passionate pain. 
And her memory haunted me ever, 

Like a sad, though sweet, refrain. 

But I never could tell her my passion; 

She seemed far out of my reach, 
And her presence found me always 

Without the power of speech. 

So I left her without ever telling 
The love that was hid in my heart, 

And soon, in distant cities, 
We drifted far apart. 

But I close my eyes to-night, love, 

And gaze again on her face, 
So full of youth's fair beauty, 

Its sweet and tender grace. 

Ah ! sweet, you asked me the question — 
Thine the blame if the answer should be 



THE ALAMO 



A bitter draught for thy wedding fez- 
Held up to thy lips by me. 

But the love that I hid in my heart then 
Only grew and strengthened with years. 

And seemed ever calling me to her. 
In spite of love's torturing fears. 

Your presence is very sweet, love: 
Your face is winsome and fair: 
But I look in my heart and I find. love. 



Dear love, your face is averted: 
Your little hand trembles in mine. 

And I thinly on your long, curling lashes, 
I can see two pearly drops shine: 

But I beg of you not to grieve, love. 

But raise your eyes, trusting and bright. 
While I whisper close in your ear. love — 

I married her. darling, to-night. 



A FRAGMENT 



Could nature stand still for a moment, 

In a pause of sweet content, 
Would it prove but a rift in the music, 

Or a rest that the Master meant; 
A prelude to something grander, 

More eloquent and vast. 
The dawn of a wonderful future, 

The close of a wonderful past? 



Papeu5"L|adq 



M 




Down I kneel upon the grasses, 

Like the cavaliers of old, 
Watching Irma as she passes 

Through the bowers of green and gold. 



PAPA'S "YADY" 139 



! she makes my heart rejoice, 
With her eyes of asphodels, 

And she thrills me with her voice, 
Clear as silver bells. 



With fond eyes, I gaze down at her. 

Wondering can she tell; 
Though my praises never flatter, 

Still I love her well. 



Ah ! she smiles with knowing grace, 
This wee woman, sweet and fair- 
Little maid with angel face, 

And her crown of golden hair. 



Now she comes, with loving charms, 
Through the gateway, cool and shady, 

Clasps my neck with dimpled arms, 
Murmuring, "Papa's Yady." 



^ "- 










When cold December's frosty breath 
Blew over fields and meadows fair. 

Singing to them their dirge of death. 
Leaving them brown and bare, 



He spread above each field and tree 

A winding-sheet of white, 
And 'twas a world of purity 

When our first-born viewed the light. 



OUR BOYS Ul 

A rosy cherub without wings, 

Upon whose altar new we laid 
Our brightest hopes of holiest things, 

In love's pure robes arrayed. 

With joy each day we praise anew 
The rosy cheeks and laughing eyes, 

And still, with trembling rapture, view 
Each new attainment with surprise. 

The flashing eye and lofty brow 

Eeveal the intellect divine, 
The master-mind that even now 

Adorns the crown-prince of our line. 

! may he hold to virtue firm, 

In spotless truth and purity, 
For in him now we can discern 

Our president that is to be. 



1J>2 THE AL A M 

When July smiled on land and sea, 
And Independence day came 'round, 

Filling our land with joy and glee 
And patriotic shouts and sounds, 

Our blue-eyed boy raised his voice 
And joined the resounding revelry, 

Showing thus early that his choice 

To defend his country's flag would be. 

And Hope once more spread visions fair, 
Filling our throbbing hearts with joy, 

As we bowed us once again in prayer 
By the cradle of our soldier boy. 

We forward look with faith and pride 
Adown Time's vista dim and far, 

And see him sail the ocean wide, 
The Dewey of some future war. 



OUR BOYS US 



! wise old Boreas could see 

Their future triumphs and their needs, 
So he brought our baby boy to be 

The laureate of his brothers' deeds. 



Thus, mother-wise, I dream sweet dreams 
Of furture greatness, future good, 

Lighting with love's divinest beams 
The paradise of motherhood. 



But while these dreams my thoughts employ 
I know G-od, in His wisdom true, 

Has given to each darling boy 
Some noble task to do. 



So when, dear ones, I kneel at night 
Beside your beds, I only pray 

That God will guide your steps aright 
And lead you to eternal day. 




I sit within thy home and hold 
Thy child upon my knee. 



TO ONE IN HEAVEN 



Dear friend, we loved each other in the glad, 
bright days 

Of vanished years, 
But thou hast journeyed on before me 

To other spheres. 



I sit within thy home and hold 

Thy child upon my knee, 
And as I gaze into his soft, dark eyes 

I think of thee. 



I think of thee, and all the love I bore thee 

In that fair past, 
Until a rival came and o'er me 

A shadow cast. 



THE ALAMO 



Thou gavest him thy hand : for five short Tears 

And then thon left us. spite of prayers and tears, 

F:r v : . 



An: .:_:; -f :". . . v - ^" irifzisl:: :: ue 

Whilst thon didst liYe. 
And L dear friend, gave all to thee 

That I could give. 



His tenderest care: 

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TO ONE IN HEAVEN ltf 



I would have died for thee, and to thy son, 
Thy dearest treasure, 
I give all that I am, or was, or may be, 
In fullest measure. 



Mine be the task to lead him in the pathway 

Which thou hast trod, 
To point to him the narrow gate which leadeth 

To thee and God. 



And in that better land, when I shall kneel 

With thy dear face above me, 
My joy will be complete if only thou canst feel 

How well I love thee. 



V 




We strolled along the grassy lane, 
By orchards brightly blowing. 



\ -.\ \ 



A LOVE SONG 



Love, love, rememberest thou 

The clay we strolled together, 
By murmuring stream and budding bough, 

In spring's delicious weather? 

! the sweet day, the fleet day, 
Though dark or bright to-morrow, 

Its light, I know, some beam will throw, 
To brighten every sorrow. 

We strolled along the grassy lane, 
By orchards brightly blowing, 

And to our ears came the refrain 
Of water softly flowing. 



150 T II E A L A M 

! the gay time, the May time — 

The May of love and bliss, dear ! 
! from my heart can ne'er depart 
The memory of your kiss, dear. 

For there, beneath the glowing skies, 

Yon told the old, old story; 
You read your answer in my eyes, 

You filled my life with glory. 

! the fair sky, the clear sky ! 

May the sky, above us bending, 
A symbol be to thee and me 

Of love's sweet light unending. 

Since then, sweetheart, through good or ill, 
Our paths have lain together: 

Your bosom is my shelter still. 
In sad or singing weather. 



A LOVE SONG 151 

! the glad years, the sad years, 

The years of fond emotion ! 
Through bliss or care, our barks will bear 

To love's infinite ocean. 



Think not, dear heart, though death may part 
Onr paths awhile, that God would fashion 

A love divine, like thine and mine, 
And then destroy the passion. 

! happy time, ! blissful clime ! 

! speed the sweet reunion, 
When we shall stand at God's right hand, 

In love's eternal union. 




I have loved you, dearest Annie. 

With a love as warm and true 
As : - . - - 

Ever bound a heart to you. 



TO ANNIE 15S 

Tell me, Annie, dearest Annie, 

Where yon f onnd the magic art ? 
Did a gracious fairy tell yon 

How to catch and hold each heart ? 



Did yon to some blooming valley 
Journey, this fair sprite to see, 

To a fairy palace hidden 

'Neath the grasses on the lea? 

I would know that, while I bind yon 
Closer to this heart of mine, . 

I might place my name forever 
In the loving thoughts of thine. 



DUTY 



Do your duty bravely, nobly. 

Though the doing causeth pain. 
For each act and each impression 

Leaves its impress on the brain. 

Strive, then, ever to be Christ-like. 

And defy temptation's might: 
In sorrow let this be your solace: 

God is always with the right. 

When He wills, who can withstand Him ? 

Who defeat this supreme Friend ? 
He has said : "Lo. I am with you 
Always, even to the end." 



A TRANSPLANTED FLOWER 



A Transplanted Flower. 
I held a flower, a tiny, fragile flower, 
Ciasped to my throbbing heart a little space; 
Ah ! happy time ! Its breath against my face 
Was like the perfume of a summer shower. 
The Master came and asked of me my flower; 
I gave it back, but, oh ! its happy place 
Was but a void, while it had gone to grace 
The overflowing ranks of heaven's bower. 

"Could you not spare this one wee plant to me," 
In anguish deep and wild. I cried in vain, 
"To cheer my pathway through this vale of pain, 
And guide my faltering footsteps unto Thee?" 
But He, in love and wisdom, answered. "No, 
Por with its treasure is the heart also." 




Where I may go alone. 
And o'er its grave in solitude may weep. 



FAREWELL 



Farewell ! Thenceforth our paths must lie apart ; 
No more our lips .with lingering kiss may meet — 
Ah! never more! With sad and faltering feet, 
I wander lone. No more my blood will start 
With quicker throb back to my bounding heart 
When thy dear voice my listening ears shall greet, 
With tender accents, tremulous and sweet. 
Good-bye, for aye! My face has lost the art 

Of pleasing thee; love's witchery is gone. 

But in my heart the vision, buried deep, 

Lies 'neath the withered hopes of those glad years, 

Embalmed and bright, where I may go alone, 

And o'er its grave in solitude may weep, 

Nor dim thy joy with my regretful tears. 



JOHN SLEYCHK RILEY 



When Memory points again to youthful days 
I see a hero, standing in his pride; 
One who the storms of two fierce wars defied, 
Then gladly left the sword for peaceful ways. 
Still like a king he stands beneath the blaze 
Of unkind envy, still withstands the tide 
Of ignorant malice;* until far and wide 
His name is echoed, ringing wih tlie praise 

Of grateful hearts whose homes are blessed and cheered 

By the dear ones his healing skill did save; 

The homes of want, whose suffering and needs 

Before his cheerful aid all disappeared. 

Thus he crowned his life, so generous and brave. 

With gentle charity and noble deeds. 



*This has reference to the prejudices of ignorant religionists on account 
of his religious belief. 



MARTHA CALCOTE RILEY 



Another picture hangs on Memory's wall, 

And when on this I gaze, fond love can trace 

A qneenly dignity and gentle grace — 

A charm beyond all words, and over all 

The tender breathings of sweet virtue fall, 

Illumining with light my mother's face, 

And that sweet light shines clear through time and space 

And o'er my spirit casts a tender thrall, 

Guiding my footsteps to that land where love 
Doth reign supreme. May this fair heritage 
Her daughter's glory; may I ever prove 
Her daughter's glory; may I ever be 
Worthy her training, and from youth to age 
Follow her footsteps to heaven's crystal sea. 



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